Opinion: Know the job before running for public office

We need candidates to run for important political positions in our community.

There is a Jan. 15 byelection to elect a School District 57 trustee to represent Prince George (and a separate election for a trustee from Mackenzie).

Next fall, residents will head to the polls to elect a mayor and council, regional district representatives and school board trustees.

If you feel you have some good ideas and something to contribute, please, on behalf of your family, your friends, your neighbours and your community, campaign for a position best suited to your talents and interests.

But please also know what the job actually is before throwing your hat in the ring.

Every time there is a school board election, there are inevitably candidates who want to make curriculum changes or negotiate their own contracts with teachers and support staff. Voters should park their votes elsewhere because these candidates are obviously unaware that school trustees do not have the authority to do either of those things.

Every time there is an election for mayor and council, there are inevitably candidates who want to “clean house” at city hall, slash wages of senior bureaucrats and reduce taxes and spending. Voters should park their votes elsewhere as these candidates are obviously unaware it’s impossible for mayors and city councillors to do these things without a majority vote, never mind the contracts, labour law, the Community Charter and the cost of maintaining essential services.

If candidates say they are going to reduce taxes and spending, the more they say they can cut, the more likely they’re wrong. Ask them to be specific on what their plan is, how they’re going to accomplish it and how much it would save in the long run. The less specific they are, the more they don’t have a clue.

In other words, if you’re planning to run for local public office in the next year, please bring more than your outrage, your good intentions, your smooth talking and your best “trust me, I can fix this mess” smile. Bring a plan, produce the fine print when asked, and, most importantly, know the job and what you can and can’t do before making promises you can’t keep.

- Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout